| History of the Pre-Sport | | | | You'll find the really big time tailgaters generally grill out. |
| Many people don't realize just how old tailgating is. But | | | | No picnic or carry out for them! As you know, there |
| most historians would tell us that it dates back to the | | | | are many mini grills on the market, so it's not that hard |
| 1800s. If you've lived long enough, you remember that | | | | to turn the parking lot into a tailgate barbecue. |
| fast food restaurants are a pretty recent thing, so | | | | Favorites are hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages, but |
| going through a drive through was not an option. So | | | | steak, chicken and pork chops are certainly not out of |
| Mom or Grandma would prepare a wonderful meal | | | | the question. Add the trimmings and you are all set for |
| before the game which included homemade bread of | | | | a good old-fashioned cook out. Oh, and don't forget |
| some kind, fried chicken, homemade potato salad and | | | | the lawn chairs. Standing for hours balancing a plate in |
| probably some of that wonderful homemade | | | | one hand and a drink in the other is NOT a lot of fun. |
| lemonade. | | | | Today many tailgaters now decorate and compete to |
| Since professional football didn't begin until the 1950s, | | | | see which group can be the best. In addition, decking |
| these homemade meals were eaten at the actual | | | | out in team gear, flags and blow ups add to the festive |
| college football games. The first collegiate game was | | | | feel. More and more, you will see tailgaters who have |
| held between Rutgers and Princeton. At first only the | | | | invested in logo NCAA and NFL Canopies and chairs |
| northern teams embraced both the sport and the | | | | to show their pride in their team. Prices are |
| tradition of pigging out before the games with family | | | | competitive, so be sure and shop around for the best |
| and friends. | | | | price. |
| Although tailgating existed in various forms from the | | | | Tips for Tailgating with Kids |
| 1950s to the 1970s, the tradition began to really catch | | | | Tailgating with kids can be more of a challenge. So |
| on with fans during the 1970s. Remember the big | | | | you'll want to toss in some toys, music and video |
| woodie-sided station wagons with the drop down | | | | game players. It's also good to include more active |
| panels? They and the pickup truck were ideal for | | | | toys like footballs and Frisbees. If the kids stay busy, |
| families' meals before the game. And because | | | | they are more likely to make friends and share their |
| everything was homemade, it was very economical. | | | | toys. The end result is everyone has a more enjoyable |
| Fast forward to current times. Today, tailgating is much | | | | time. |
| more an art than science. Tailgaters are creative and | | | | Tips for Game Day |
| diverse in the way they celebrate the meal before a | | | | You always want to arrive early. But no matter you |
| game. You will see motor homes with full kitchens to | | | | are, there will always be others already set up and in |
| pick-up trucks with hibachi grills and coolers full of beer. | | | | full party mode. One of the reasons you want to be |
| But like the old days, you will still see everything from | | | | early is to get the prime shaded spots near the bath |
| takeout chicken to more fancy tables with linen | | | | rooms. They always go fast, so don't miss out. |
| tablecloths and all the trimmings. | | | | With a ballgame, you are looking at a full day when |
| Be informed so Your Tailgating Party Will be | | | | you tailgate before the game. So pack accordingly. |
| Successful | | | | Have plenty of food for everyone and beverages, |
| If you are not an expert in the art of tailgating, most | | | | which will include plenty of water because alcohol and |
| experienced tailgaters are more than happy to include | | | | caffeine dry out the body. |
| you in the group and share their tailgating knowledge. | | | | People tend to forget all the extras that make tailgating |
| So don't skip the fun just because you feel shy about | | | | more comfortable. So remember to include umbrellas, |
| what to do or what to bring. | | | | trash bags, blankets, sunscreen and most importantly, |
| One of the most important things to do is to call ahead | | | | bug spray. Even an extra coat or blanket in cold |
| and ask for guidelines and suggestions. Every venue | | | | weather is a must. |
| has specific rules. You will get the official rules and | | | | If you are going to have music, be sure to bring |
| regulations, but oftentimes the person will share inside | | | | something for all members of the party. A good |
| information that is helpful. | | | | variety is the best. In fact, it's not a bad idea to ask |
| Planning Ahead is a MUST! | | | | everyone to bring a couple of their favorite CDs. Then |
| Even something as simple as calling ahead for takeout | | | | rotate. Music can really add to the tailgating |
| will make your tailgating party a lot more stress free. | | | | atmosphere. |
| There are times when the demand is so high; you will | | | | CONCLUSION |
| be out of luck if you don't plan ahead. Let's face it; it's | | | | If you follow the basic tips above, your tailgating |
| not really a party if you don't have food! And besides, | | | | experience will be fun and a lot less stressful. I'm sure |
| who wants to sit there smelling all the great food and | | | | if you are an experienced tailgater, you could add a |
| watching everyone else enjoy their tailgate experience. | | | | few things to this list. Happy Tailgating! |